National Weather Service forecasters expect the Red River to crest at 28.5 feet around Dec. 3, a level which will be short of the 30-foot flood stage and roughly nine feet less than the historic levels the river reached in June.
Forecasters made their predictions Monday at the Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness during a meeting with Bossier City and Parish officials.
During the briefing, Weather Service officials said the river is currently registering at 22.6 feet.Bossier officials are closely monitoring the river’s rise and will have updates if situations change.
Parish and city officials are making sandbags available for public pickup as a precautionary measure. Sandbags will be available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Bossier Parish Police Jury Highway Dept. maintenance barn at 410 Mayfield St. in Benton and at the Bossier City Public Service Complex at 3223 Old Shed Rd.
Bossier Parish Administrator Bill Altimus said there is no limit on the number of sandbags that may be picked up at the highway department barn.
Forecasters predicted the Red River would remain elevated at around 24 feet through the end of the year unless significant rainfall occurs.
